THE organisers are going flat-out with the the Rochdale Canal Festival this year, with a fortnight of events.
It all starts at at Sowerby Bridge at 11am on Saturday 13th August with fun and games including a canoeing taster session and the opportunity to see how a lock gate is made at Hargreaves Lock Gates factory. The Rochdale Canal Society will be on hand to tell of its activities and there will be a barbecue at the Moorings pub.
Events and activities
During the fortnight there will be such things as a costumed masquerade, foraging for wild food, bug hunts, a lantern parade, horse boating, guided walks and bike rides, plus lots of other events and activities on offer in Calderdale, Rochdale, Oldham and Manchester during the festival that runs to 28th August.
There will be plenty of boats, many decorated and with illuminated boat parades during week-end evenings.
Opportunity
Becky Liddell, Rochdale Canal Development Manager with the Waterways Trust, explains:
"The Festival is a fantastic opportunity for people living in Calderdale, Rochdale, Oldham and Manchester to discover the Rochdale Canal and enjoy the many different activities that the waterway has to offer.
"The opening event at Sowerby Bridge will get the Festival off to a great start and provide a taste of things to come."
The two weeks long festival will culminate with a Festival Finale at Failsworth Canal Basin, Oldham at 11am on 28th August including canal boat making, a climbing wall, storytelling, wildlife activities, live entertainment and refreshments.